Manhunt for 2 more kidnap suspects

Written by Chrann Chamroeun
Monday, 16 March 2009

AUTHORITIES in Siem Reap are hunting for two more suspected masterminds behind the March 6 kidnapping of the daughter of the province's Military Police chief, according to a court prosecutor involved in the case.

"We know their identities but cannot mention them because we are in the middle of our investigation," said provincial prosecutor Touch Chanphakdey. "We believe they are on the run."

Deputy provincial Military Police chief Prak Chantoeun confirmed his forces were searching for more suspects but would not elaborate on the exact number police had identified.

Provincial Governor Sou Phirin said a manhunt was ongoing and was confident police would prevail.

"The police are still looking to make more arrests for this kidnapping," he said. "The people behind it are a network of family members. They will be arrested and security will be restored."

Street-snatching
Morn Charkriya, the 16-year-old daughter of Siem Reap's Military Police chief Morn Samon, was kidnapped March 6 but released the next day after private negotiations between her parents and the kidnappers that were said to include a ransom payment.

Siem Reap's provincial court last Wednesday charged five men suspected of involvement in the kidnapping. Authorities say all of the suspects are related by blood.

Touch Chanphakdey said the men were charged with detaining a person to extort money and were awaiting trial. If convicted they face life imprisonment, he said.